FE FE Cardiac Biometry & Measurements 3

Question 1

A z-score of −2.0 for the aortic valve annulus diameter means the measurement is:

Accepted Answer

2 standard deviations below the mean for gestational age

Answer

A z-score of −2.0 means the aortic annulus is 2 standard deviations below the expected mean for that gestational age or fetal weight, indicating significant hypoplasia.

Question 2

Fetal ventricular stroke volume is calculated using which formula?

Accepted Answer

VTI × cross-sectional area of the outflow tract

Answer

Stroke volume = velocity-time integral (VTI) × cross-sectional area (π × r²) of the outflow tract; multiplying by heart rate gives cardiac output.

Question 3

The normal combined cardiac output (CCO) in a near-term fetus is approximately:

Accepted Answer

300–500 mL/kg/min

Answer

Normal fetal CCO (RV output + LV output) is approximately 300–500 mL/kg/min, reflecting the high-output state required for fetal oxygen delivery.

Question 4

Why are z-scores preferred over absolute measurements when assessing fetal cardiac dimensions?

Accepted Answer

They correct for gestational age and fetal size, enabling comparison across different fetuses

Answer

Z-scores normalize measurements to gestational age and fetal size so that a dimension can be judged as truly small or large independent of the fetus's overall growth trajectory.

Question 5

The normal fetal heart rate range throughout most of the second and third trimesters is:

Accepted Answer

120–160 bpm

Answer

A normal fetal heart rate of 120–160 bpm is expected throughout the second and third trimesters; rates persistently below 110 bpm or above 180 bpm require evaluation for arrhythmia.

(FE) Fetal Echocardiography Certification Practice Test

(FE) Fetal Echocardiography Certification Practice Test

FE FE Cardiac Biometry & Measurements 3